BY LORETTA B MANELE
Infrastructure will remain a strategy priority for the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele stressed on the above whilst speaking at his press conference yesterday.
He went on to express that roads, bridges, airports, wharves, ICT and healthcare facilities are essential not only to deliver vital services but also in driving economic growth and strengthening connections between our communities.
Manele outlined a number of key achievements of the government to date.
One of these achievements is a US $51.2 million additional funding secured for SIRAP2.
Manele added that GNUT also secured an additional US$51.2 million in financing for the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), bringing total funding to US$140.41 million.
He mentioned that this was approved by the World Bank in February this year and effective as of March 3 and the additional funding will support infrastructure works.
Infrastructure developments under this funding will support construction of four new bridges in Malaita, namely; Kolofe1, Kolofe2, Su’u Harbour and Bira.
Other developments are; road upgrades of 10km in Noro and 33 km in Malaita, provincial airport upgrades in Malaita, Western, Temotu and Makira provinces and air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu to enhance aviation safety and efficiency.
Manel also stated that in 2024, the Australian government funded emergency repairs to 42 km of South Road in Malaita and completed this ahead of schedule in November.
He said the government is focused on restoring the confidence of partners to contribute to the National Transport Fund.
“To this end, Australia has taken the lead in contributing to the National Transport Fund again.”
Manele also noted that in March 2025, the Auki Road Network Rehabilitation Project, funded by the People’s Republic of China, (PRC) was launched to upgrade 5.462 km of roads in Auki, including a vital link to Kilu’ufi Hospital.
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